Santa Monica Activates Emergency Operations Center For Carmageddon II

Posted Sep. 28, 2012, 4:21 am

Mitch James / Mirror Contributor

The City of Santa Monica Emergency Operations Center has been activated for the 405 closure between the 101 and 10 freeways this "Carmageddon II" weekend to ensure uninterrupted support of city staff and constant communication throughout the region to handle any situation resulting from the event.

In addition, the City of Santa Monica will be staffing additional public safety personnel to ensure the safety of the community and the smooth flow of traffic for the duration of the closure, according to Santa Monica Emergency Manager Ken Semko.

“As with last year’s south side demolition, Metro and Caltrans are concerned that closing the freeway, in both directions to demolish the north side of the Mulholland Bridge, will result in severe congestion on the I-405, adjoining freeways and surface streets,” Semko said. “Plan ahead. Avoid the Sepulveda Pass and eat, shop, and play locally."

Semko said Santa Monica is famous for being a bike and pedestrian friendly city and urged everyone to be care-free this weekend by being car-free.

"In the interest of public safety, leaving your car parked at home will keep the roads clear so emergency vehicles like police, firefighters, medical, and other important service providers won’t have to fight their way through traffic congestion," he said.